"Thoughtfully Transitioning into Spring Mode"
March, 2024

Take a minute to pat yourself on the back... if you're reading this, you've made it through the lull of another winter season! In coastal North Carolina, the month of March begins a busy season of all things spring. Organizing closets and trying on those shorts to see which still fit, cleaning out the garage, freshening up neglected flower beds, and trimming back last years growth which has long been dead from cold winter nights. Not to mention the weekly baseball and lacrosse meets for those with school-age kids. The list goes on and on.

Take a deep breath... these tasks associated with the change of seasons doesn't have to be dreadful or overwhelming! I find the best way to tackle the annual spring checklist is in thoughtful stages and with purpose. For example, on days that are chilly - I go into indoor spring cleaning mode. This is when closets get organized, clothes are rearranged (and donated), drawers get cleared out, etc. On warmer days, when the sun is shining and providing that boost of needed energy, I head outdoors to tackle weather dependent tasks. This is when the garage is de-cluttered and when I take inventory of my arsenal of gardening/landscaping supplies to see what I need for the fast approaching growing season.

If you're thinking about being an overachiever, be warned: the average last frost date in the Greater Topsail Area is around April 1st. A great many people — usually new to the area — have freshened up their pots with flowers and bought expensive hanging baskets, only to get surprised with one last hard freeze, killing all their hard work along with their motivation. Nobody wants to feel defeated before the joy of the season even begins, right?!

Pace yourself... transition thoughtfully into this season of renewal. I'd write more but it's nice outside and the weeds aren't going to pick themselves.